UNIT 1

WHAT MAKES A GREAT STORY?

The Plot Thickens: Narrative Structure!

Academic Vocabulary

●Analyze: v. to separate or break into parts and examine

●Element: n. one necessary or basic part of a whole

● Infer: v. to decide based on evidence r knowledge; to draw a conclusion

●Sequence: n. the chronological, causal, or logical order in which one thing follows another

* Not all plots go in a specific order, those plots are called non-linear. An author may use flashbacks, interruptions in the story to tell about a previous event, or foreshadowing, dropping clues in the text to hint at complications that may happen later in the story, to build suspense.

●Structure: n. something constructed or built, such as a building

Quick Write Part I

●Think of a book you’ve read or movie you’ve seen recently. Write a few sentences about the elements that made the story enjoyable for you, using at least two Academic Vocabulary words in your response.

●5 mins

Plot

●Plot: the series of events that make up a story

Every (good) plot has to have a conflict!

●Conflict: a struggle between opposing forces● Internal Conflict● External Conflict

Plot Structure at a Glance

1. Exposition: “exposes” the reader to the setting and characters, introduces the conflict

2. Rising Action: presents complications that intensify the conflict and builds the suspense

3. Climax: the turning point of the story and the moment of greatest suspense; makes the outcome of the conflict clear

4. Falling Action: eases the suspense, reveals the outcome, and how the main character resolves the conflict

5. Resolution: reveals the final outcome and ties up loose ends

1. Exposition●This usually occurs at the beginning of a

short story. Here the characters are introduced. We also learn about the setting of the story. Most importantly, we are introduced to the main conflict (main problem).

2. Rising Action

●This part of the story begins to develop the conflict(s). A building of interest or suspense occurs.

3. Climax●This is the turning point of the story.

Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict. The main character will change in some way.

4. Falling Action

●All loose ends of the plot are tied up. The conflict(s) and climax are taken care of.

5. Resolution●The story comes to a reasonable ending.

Putting It All Together

1. Exposition

2. Rising Action

3. Climax

4. Falling Action

5. Resolution

Beginning of Story

Middle of Story

End of Story

Unit 1 Reading Strategy

●VISUALIZE!○ Form images of the story’s setting and

charactersTo visualize a story:○ Pay special attention to descriptions and

word choices○ Look for sensory details, ones that appeal

to one or more of your senses○ Reread lengthy descriptions to catch

details you might have missed

Quick Write Part II

What does it take to be a survivor?●Think about movies you’ve seen or books you’ve read in which one person survives against the odds. What qualities or abilities do survivors share? Write down a list like the one on the left of qualities a person needs to survive.

• 5 mins